More than a luxury; a home sauna serves as a wellness tool to improve the human body and mind. A sauna serves as a sanctuary for various things including soothing sore muscles, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation. With the growing interest in personal wellness and home comforts, homeowners prefer to install a sauna inside their homes. However, finding the right home sauna kit can be daunting as there are wide ranges of options.
Selecting the suitable sauna kit involves understanding different types of saunas, the space required, and the features that match your specific needs and preferences.
Types of Home Saunas
Before choosing a home sauna kit, understand the different types of saunas available. Each type offers different features and benefits that enhance your overall experience at your easy convenience. The more specific variants include:
- Traditional saunas – This employs a heater to heat the air and generate high temperatures. Most saunas maintain a temperature of between 150°F and 190°F (65°C to 90°C), which is produced using dry heat. It often requires a longer preheat and usually takes longer to maintain a steady temperature.
- Infrared saunas – This equipment produces radiant heat that is absorbed directly into the skin. These units tend to run at lower temperatures— between 120°F and 150°F and are ideal for providing deep tissue heat. Infrared saunas are highly energy efficient, and allow you to experience a faster heat-up time.
- Steam saunas – Also called steam rooms, a humid environment is created by boiling water. The steam makes a high-humidity environment that can be relaxing and great for your skin. Steam saunas are operated at a temperature lower than traditional saunas but the advantage of it is more humidity. These saunas are suitable for individuals who prefer a warm bath and have the space for larger installations.
Space and Size Considerations
Choosing the right sauna kit is also about assessing the space available in your home. Consider whether you will comfortably fit into the sauna and determine how much space it will occupy in your home.
First, measure the area where you would like to install your sauna. Take into account the measurements of the space and any additional clearance required for ventilation and its access. The size will depend on how many people will be using the sauna at once and the amount of available space.
Additionally, consider the ceiling height of the space. Rooms with high ceilings can benefit from a low-profile ceiling LED light. To provide adequate ventilation and a comfortable climate, most saunas have a minimum ceiling height. Make sure that the sauna kit you select will fit in your space and meet installation requirements.
Materials and Build Quality
The fabrication and materials of a sauna kit determine the lifespan of your custom-built unit and its comfort. While choosing a sauna, consider the materials used for walls, benches, and heating elements.
High-quality wood is important for aesthetic and functional reasons. Make sure your sauna kit contains only quality parts and materials that can withstand the heat and moisture for long-term use.